user guidethis user guide is intended for experian’s clients accessing metronet, ® one of the...

MetroNet®

User guide

MetroNet®

User guide

© Experian Information Solutions, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved. Title and copyright in this document at all times belong to Experian. It shall be

kept strictly confidential and may only be used by employees of the client authorized for such purpose. This document (or any part of it) shall

not be copied or reproduced (in any form whatsoever), transmitted or stored within a retrieval system or disclosed to any third party without

the prior written consent of Experian. Experian reserves the right to revise or otherwise alter this publication and associated software and to

make changes to the content thereof, without obligation to notify any person of such changes or revisions.

Table of contents

MetroNet® — overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Logging in to MetroNet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Change password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Reference materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

MetroNet search descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

MetroNetaddresssearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

MetroNetSocialSecuritysearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

MetroNetbestaddresssearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

MetroNetcomprehensivesearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

MetroNetElectronicDirectoryAssistanceandreverseElectronicDirectoryAssistancesearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

MetroNetFileOneSMphonesearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

MetroNetphonesearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

MetroNetsurnamesearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

MetroNetneighborsearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

MetroNetbusinessnamesearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

MetroNetSICcategorysearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Working in MetroNet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Screenfunctionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Pagingthroughavailabledata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Searchversussearchagainbuttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Surnamesearchprocessingoptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Search guidelines — which search to use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Search guidelines by collection cycle stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

MetroNet quick reference guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

iii

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MetroNet® — overview

This user guide is intended for Experian’s clients accessing MetroNet,® one of the nation’s most up-to-date

and accurate consumer and commercial skip-tracing tools. It provides access to comprehensive data on

more than 140 million households and 19 million businesses, including:

• Consumer names, addresses and telephone numbers

• Business names and addresses

• Change of address information

• Current name and address associated with telephone numbers

• Best known address for a Social Security number and up to two previous addresses

• Neighbor names, addresses and telephone numbers for current and former addresses

• Other household members

• Surnames

• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and categories

In addition, clients can optionally search through Electronic Directory Assistance to locate missing

telephone numbers or validate new ones.

For additional product-related questions, contact Customer Support at 800 831 5614.

For technical service questions, contact the Technical Support Center at 800 854 7201.

MetroNet MetroNet — overview

MetroNet Logging in to MetroNet

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Logging in to MetroNet

To log in to MetroNet, enter the valid profile ID into the Profile ID field and then enter a valid password

into the Password field and select Log in.

The MetroNet Web site automatically will time out after 60 minutes of inactivity, and the user will need

to log in again to re-establish access.

Change password

When using the product for the first time, users are required to change the password they were assigned.

Additionally, they may change their password at any time by clicking the Home tab and then selecting

Change Password, located in the Account maintenance section.

When prompted, type the new password into the appropriate boxes and press Submit. Guidelines for

changing the password:

• There must be at least two numbers (0 to 9) in the password. There can be more, but there must be at least two.

• The password must contain eight characters.

• There cannot be two of the same character adjacent to each other. (For example, these would not be

allowed anywhere in a password: AA, BB, CC, 55, 77, etc.)

• Users may include the special characters of @, # or $ in various positions of the password, taking

the place of A to Z characters.

MetroNet Change password

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The message “Password Changed Successfully” will be displayed on the search page to indicate that

the password was changed successfully.

If a user forgets his or her password, Experian’s Technical Support Center can reset it. This will require

the user to change the password the next time he or she uses the product. Experian personnel do not have

access to passwords, nor can they confirm or change passwords.

Reference materials

Users can access the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link located at the top of the MetroNet

Search page.

Additionally, users can find descriptions of the available searches online by selecting Search Overview,

located to the right of the Select Search menu list.

Search overview will display the available searches categorized by residential and business type.

Select a search to learn more.

MetroNet Reference materials

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MetroNet search descriptions

MetroNet address search

MetroNet address searches allow for the retrieval of data from the MetroNet database via a person’s

address. Address searches must be qualified by either city and state or ZIP Code.TM This search will return

up to five database entries matching the search criteria.

Whenever an address search is executed and matches exist on the database, a list of database entries

are returned, consisting of full name or business name, address, telephone number, city, state, ZIP Code

and county. If the requested address does not exist on the database, the address considered to be closest

(nearest) to the requested address will be returned.

To execute an address search, select the address search from the Select Search menu list. Fill in the

appropriate search criteria for an address search and press Submit.

For more field-specific information, please read the residential address search and business address search

sections below.

Change of Address (COA) — address search functionalityChange of Address (COA) checks to see if the input address and surname match a record on the MetroNet

COA database. If it does, the COA will be returned along with the original residential match. COAs are not

returned for business address searches.

Possible new address information available for consumerWhen performing a residential address search, if there is no COA information available for the consumer

being searched, MetroNet will attempt to determine if there is a more current address available by

searching other Experian proprietary data sources.

If a new address is available, the user will be prompted to view the more current address detail by clicking

the View SSN button on the screen. A full name is required on input to view the more current address data.

The user’s profile ID must comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act. The user may choose not to

view the more current data. This option is available only for residential searches.

General information

Residential address search

By entering the surname of the person for whom the user is searching, plus the house address, city and

state or ZIP Code, MetroNet address search can provide the information below:

• Telephone number (if available)

• USPS® standardized address

• County

• Household members will include information on three other family members (if available)

MetroNet MetroNet search descriptions

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When a COA is found, you will see the information available from MetroNet for the input address and the

COA. If no COA is available for input, the system returns one record.

If that listing is not available, the “nearest house found” or “multi-surnames found” will be displayed.

When executing a residential search, the user should make sure to search the appropriate database by

selecting the residential search type.

Required fields Optional fields (only affects addresses that are “multi-surnames found” units)

Ignored fields

Residential address search

Address; city and state or ZIP CodeTM

Surname; first name or initial; first name or initial search qualifier must be set for use

Telephone number;Social Security number

Business address search

Business address search allows the user to verify business names and addresses and search for telephone

numbers. By entering a street address, city and state or ZIP Code, the user will be able to see which

business is listed at that address, plus a phone number.

When executing a business search, the user should ensure that he or she searches the appropriate database

by selecting the business search type.

Required fields Optional fields Ignored fields

Business address search

AddressCity and state or ZIP Code

Business name Telephone number

MetroNet Social Security search

MetroNet Social Security search allows for the retrieval of data from the MetroNet database via a consumer’s

Social Security number. This search will return up to five database entries that meet the match criteria.

Whenever a Social Security number search is requested and matches exist on the database, a list of database

entries are returned, consisting of full name, address, city, state, ZIP Code, telephone number (if available),

date of birth, (if available) and age (if available). If the Social Security number has been reported as

deceased, it will be indicated as such on the screen. If a date for when Social Security death benefits have

been paid is known, the date will be displayed.

To execute this search, select the Social Security verification search from the Select Search menu list.

Enter the search criteria in the appropriate fields and press Submit.


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General information

By entering the consumer’s Social Security number, the MetroNet Social Security search can provide

the information below:

• Name and most current address associated with the Social Security number entered

• MetroNet telephone number (if available)

• Date of birth or year of birth (if available)

• Age (if available)

• Notification of deceased Social Security number or notification of valid/invalid Social Security number

• Social Security deceased date (if applicable)

• If the user’s profile ID is GLB compliant, up to two previous addresses will be returned

• Current occupants and phone numbers at the prior two addresses (if available)


Social Security search Nine-digit Social Security number

SurnameAddressCityStateZIP CodeTM

Telephone number

MetroNet best address search

MetroNet best address search allows for the retrieval of data from Experian’s File OneSM credit database via

a name and address. The user’s profile ID must be GLB certified to use this search option. The best address

search of MetroNet will take a consumer name and address and attempt to find a more current address using

the power of Experian’s GLB credit information to link from an old address up to the current “best” address.

To execute this search, select the best address search from the Select Search menu list. Enter in the search

criteria in the appropriate fields and press Submit.

Please note that a complete first name must be entered in order for the search to work properly.

General information

Best address search allows the user to search Experian’s credit file to find the best name and address

information available for a consumer. Output will be the most current address known to Experian and up

to nine previous addresses between the most current and the “starting” input address. Up to 10 addresses

will be returned in total.


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Best address search returns:

• First name and, if known, middle initial

• USPS® standardized current “best” address

• Social Security number on file

• Date of birth or year of birth (if available)


• Social Security deceased date (if available)

• MetroNet telephone number (if available)


Best address search Full nameAddressCityState

ZIP CodeTM

Nine-digit Social Security number

Telephone number

MetroNet comprehensive search

The comprehensive search uses the best of Experian’s File One database, in conjunction with the MetroNet

core database, to provide skip-tracing professionals with a dynamic, one-click search to identify updated

contact information. The user’s profile ID must be GLB certified to use this search option.

To execute this search, select the comprehensive search from the Select Search menu list. Enter the search

criteria in the appropriate fields and press Submit.

Please note that a complete first name must be entered in order for the search to work properly.

General information

Comprehensive search allows the user to search Experian’s credit file and MetroNet database to locate

updated contact information and address history for a consumer.

A single input request containing consumer name with address (Social Security number is optional) returns:

• Best (current) address for consumer or change of address (if available)

• Social Security number, for consumer supplied on original request (if available)

• Notification of deceased Social Security number

• Social Security number deceased date, if applicable

• Address history for the consumer (up to 10 prior addresses posted)

• Current occupant name and phone number (where available) at each prior address

• Telephone numbers for the consumer derived from credit and noncredit sources


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• Likely matching surname listings (potential relatives) within a 50-mile radius

• Businesses and their telephone number at the same address, if a multifamily dwelling unit (this may

locate landlords, leasing agents, etc.)

MetroNet Electronic Directory Assistance and reverse Electronic Directory Assistance search

MetroNet EDA searches allow a search of the Electronic Directory Assistance databases. There are

currently two types of EDA searches available.

In the traditional EDA search, MetroNet requires the business or consumer name, address, city and state

or ZIP Code.TM A reverse phone EDA search requires only the 10-digit phone number. In either type of

search, MetroNet then will route the request to the central directory assistance provider and return up to

10 telephone name and address listings. Please note it is possible to return a “nonpublished” (NP) listing

instead of a name and address listing.

Residential listings are divided into three major groups:

Listed — These are the bulk of the listings that directory assistance offers. There is unrestricted access

to these listings.

Nonlisted — These listings do not appear in printed white-page directories. However, these listings

are available from operator assistance (411 and 555 1212).

Nonpublished — These listings do not appear in printed white-page directories and are not available

from any operator-assisted services.

The traditional EDA search will display two scores for each listing returned. A brief overview of both

score methods is listed below.

Best pick score

The best pick score is a number that can range from 0 through 89, with 89 being the highest possible score.

Scores of 40 or higher are likely to be your targeted consumer, while scores of 20 or higher are generally

strong leads. The score uses a proprietary algorithm that takes into account how many components of the

name and address were keyed that match the EDA search results. In addition, the uniqueness of the matches

can affect the score.

Confidence code

The confidence code is a two-position field with the first position being the sequence number of the EDA

result record (up to 10 hits may be returned). The second position is an alphabetic letter that gives

a hierarchical code detailing the matched fields.

A. Match on house number, street name, city or ZIP Code, surname, first name

B. Same as A, except match on first initial


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C. Same as A, except match on surname only

D. Match on street name, city or ZIP Code,TM surname, first name

E. Same as D, except first initial

F. Same as D, except surname only

G. Match on city or ZIP Code, surname, first name

H. Same as G, except first initial

I. Same as G, except surname only

J. Match on house number, street name, city or ZIP Code; mismatch on surname

K. Same as J, except no house number match

L. Match on city; mismatch on surname

M. Match on surname with first name; mismatch on city or ZIP Code (vanity town name possibilities)

N. Same as M, except first initial

O. Same as M, except surname only

P. Mismatch on surname and city or ZIP Code

X. Nonpublished record; unavailable for display

Y. Nonlisted record; unavailable for display

Z. Caption record

To perform an EDA search, select EDA or EDA (reverse phone) from the Select Search list. Enter the

search criteria in the appropriate fields and press Submit.

When executing a residential search, the user should make sure to search the appropriate database by

selecting the residential search type.

When executing a business search, the user should make sure to search the appropriate database by

selecting the business search type.


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General information

MetroNet’s EDA search can assist in locating and verifying telephone numbers. The EDA search provides

the following data elements:

• Consumer or business name

• Consumer or business address, city, state, ZIP CodeTM and county

• Consumer or business telephone number or nonpublished/nonlisted indicator

• Best pick score for consumer listings


EDA search (traditional)

SurnameCity/State and/or ZIP Code

First name or initial street name

Telephone numberSocial Security number

EDA search (reverse phone)

Seven-digit phoneThree-digit area code

SurnameFirst name or initialStreet nameCity/State and/or ZIP CodeSocial Security number

MetroNet File OneSM phone search

MetroNet File OneSM phone search allows for the retrieval of data from Experian’s File One credit database

via a person’s name and address. The user’s profile ID must be GLB certified to use this search option.

Whenever a File One phone search is requested and matches exist on the File One database, up to three

database entries will be returned, consisting of full name and telephone number.

To execute a File One phone search, select File One phone search from the Select Search list. Enter the

search criteria in the appropriate fields and press Submit.

General information

MetroNet’s File One phone search can assist in verifying telephone numbers and names. File One phone

search provides the following data elements:

• Consumer name

• Consumer telephone number


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File One phone search NameHouse numberStreet nameCityState

ZIP CodeTM

Nine-digit Social Security number

Telephone number

MetroNet phone search

MetroNet phone searches allow for the retrieval of data from the MetroNet database via a consumer or

business telephone number. Phone searches must be qualified by either ZIP Code or area code. This search

will return the total number of records from the database matching the telephone number being searched,

with up to 30 matching database entries being returned. Whenever a phone search is requested and

matches exist on the database, a list of database entries will be returned, consisting of full name, address

(if available), telephone number, city, state, ZIP Code and county.

To execute a phone search, select phone search from the Select Search list. Enter the search criteria in the

appropriate fields and press Submit. The simplest way to enter the telephone number would be to enter the

10 digits, like 3455551212, although hyphens and parentheses are accepted. Phone search automatically

checks both residential and business databases to find a listing that matches the telephone number entered.

General information

The MetroNet phone search can assist in verifying telephone numbers, names and addresses, or it can

identify the name and address to which a telephone number belongs. By simply entering an area code and

telephone number (or ZIP Code with seven-digit telephone number if no area code is available), MetroNet

phone search provides the following data elements for numbers:

• Consumer or business name for the telephone number listing

• USPS® standardized address

• Household member(s) (for residential numbers)

• Demographics such as date of birth and sex for household members and time on file

(for residential numbers)

• SIC code (for business numbers)

Required fields Optional fields

Phone search Seven-digit telephone number with three-digit area code or five-digit ZIP Code

NameHouse numberStreet nameCityStateSocial Security number


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MetroNet surname search

MetroNet surname searches allow for the retrieval of data from the MetroNet database via a person’s

surname. Surname searches may be qualified a variety of ways by using various search criteria.

The regional search criteria available for surname searches are city, ZIP Code,TM state, metropolitan area

(within a 150-mile radius of the city being searched) and national (searches the United States from east

to west). The total number of records that meet the match criteria are returned.

Whenever a surname search is executed and matches exist on the database, a list of database entries will be

returned. Each entry returned consists of the following information: name, address and telephone number

(if available), city, state, ZIP Code, county and the number of months the person has lived at that address.

To execute a surname search, select the appropriate surname region from the Select Search menu list. Fill

in the appropriate search criteria for the type of surname search and press Submit.

Surname searches may be further qualified by entering a first name or first initial and/or a street name.

Please note that the first name indicator and street name indicator can be used for any of the surname

search types. Use of these options will narrow the number of listings considerably. If a first name or initial

is used in the search criteria, it should be entered first in the name field. For example, John M Doe would

be correct. Doe, John M would not be entered correctly. Please refer to the surname search processing

options section for further explanation.

For national searches, outputs are sorted by ZIP Code starting from Massachusetts and ending in

Hawaii — i.e., searching for “Mike Douglas” in the United States will begin with Mike Douglas in

Mahopac, New York (10541) and then go to Sarver, Pennsylvania (16055); Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

(18015); Saxe, Virginia (23967); all the way to Hawaii.

For Metro/Radius searches, the user can expand the radius searched by changing the default search radius

value of 30 in the radius search box. Enter a radius of up to 150 miles to be searched.


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General information

Surname searching allows the user to search a defined geographical region using the following:

• Last name

• First name or first initial in conjunction with the last name

• Street name in conjunction with the last name

• First name or first initial, street name and last name

Surname search returns:

• First name and, if known, middle initial


• Indications of other household members with the request of first name

• Standardized address with county

• Time on file

• Total number of names matched

The different types of surname searches available are:

• National search

• State search

• Metropolitan search (radius)

• City search

• ZIP CodeTM search


National surname search

Surname First name or initial search qualifier must be set for use.Street name search qualifier must be set for use.

House numberCityStateTelephone numberZIP CodeSocial Security number

State surname search SurnameState

First name or initial search qualifier must be set for use.Street name search qualifier must be set for use.

House numberCityTelephone numberZIP CodeSocial Security number


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Metropolitan/Radius surname search

SurnameCity/State or ZIP CodeTM

Radius (30 miles default)


House numberTelephone numberZIP CodeSocial Security number

City surname search SurnameCityState


House numberTelephone numberSocial Security number

ZIP Code surname search

SurnameZIP Code


House numberTelephone numberCitySocial Security number

MetroNet neighbor search

MetroNet neighbor searches allow for the retrieval of neighbor data from the MetroNet database via

an address. This search will return up to 30 database entries matching the search criteria.

Whenever a neighbor search is executed and matches exist on the database, a list of database entries

are returned, consisting of full name, address, city, state, ZIP Code, county and telephone number

(if available).

To execute a neighbor search, select the neighbor search from the Select Search menu list. Fill in the

appropriate search criteria for a neighbor search and press Submit.

For more field-specific information, please read the residential neighbor search and business neighbor

search sections below.

COA — neighbor search functionality

When a neighbor search is executed and a COA is found, the neighbors of both the input address as well

as the COA are returned. COAs are not returned for business neighbor searches.


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Possible new address information available for consumer

When performing a residential neighbor search, if there is no COA information available for the consumer

being searched, MetroNet will attempt to determine if there is a more current address available by

searching other Experian proprietary data sources.

If a new address is available, the user will be prompted to view the more current address detail by clicking

the View SSN button on the screen. A full name is required on input to view the more current address data.

The user’s profile ID must be GLB compliant. The user may choose not to view the more current data.

This option is available only for residential searches.


appropriate search criteria and press Submit. When executing a residential search, the user should make

sure to search the appropriate database by selecting the residential search type.

General information

Residential neighbor search

By entering the house address, city, state or ZIP Code,TM MetroNet residential neighbor search can provide

the following:

• Household member(s)


• House number and street address

• City, state and ZIP Code

• County

• Change of address (if available)

• Up to 30 neighbors with telephone numbers (if available)

• Time on file

If a listing is no longer available, the “nearest house found” or “multi-surnames found” will be displayed.


Residential neighbor search

AddressCity/State and/or ZIP Code

SurnameFirst name or initialTelephone numberSocial Security number

Business neighbor search

The business neighbor search function allows the user to search for a listing of up to 30 neighboring

businesses. The information returned includes:


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• Company name

• Street address

• City, state and ZIP CodeTM

• Telephone number

• SIC code

As with residential neighbor searches, up to 30 neighbor listings will be returned.


appropriate search criteria and press Submit. When executing a business search, the user should make

sure to search the appropriate database by selecting the “business” search type.


Business neighbor search AddressCity/State and/or ZIP Code

Business nameTelephone number

MetroNet business name search

MetroNet business name searches allow for the retrieval of data from the MetroNet database via a

business’s name. Business name searches may be qualified using a variety of geographical measures,

including ZIP Code, city, metropolitan area, state and national (searches the United States from east to

west). Business searches will return the total number of records that meet the match criteria. Whenever

a business name search is requested and matches exist on the database, a list of database entries will be

returned, consisting of business name, address, telephone number, city, state and ZIP Code.

To execute a business name search, select the appropriate geographic region from the Select Search menu

list. Fill in the appropriate search criteria for the type of business search and press Submit. When executing

a business search, the user should make sure to search the appropriate database by selecting the business

search type.

For Metro/Radius searches, the user can expand the radius searched by changing the default search radius

value of 30 in the radius search box. Enter a radius of up to 150 miles to be searched.

General information

Business search

Business listings can be searched by business name on a ZIP Code, city, metro, state or national basis; by

address; or by phone number. The system returns five listings per screen. To view the address and phone

number for a company name, the application allows the user to select any listing of an individual company

on the screen. The screen also shows the number of listings available for viewing under each business name.


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Please note that there is a business search logic referenced as “business string search.” Users simply enter

as much of the business name as they know in the “business name” field — along with any other search

criteria — and all business listings containing the portion of the business name that they entered will be

displayed. For example, if the user conducts a search on “pizza” in a certain ZIP Code,TM all the business

names that include the word “pizza” within that ZIP Code will be returned.

Business name searching allows the user to search a defined geographical region using:

• Business name

• Street name in conjunction with business name

Business name searches return:

• Business name



• SIC code

The different types of business name searches available are:

• National search

• State search

• Metro/Radius search

• City search

• ZIP Code search


National business search Business name House numberStreet numberCityStateTelephone numberZIP Code

State business search Business nameState

House numberStreet nameCityTelephone numberZIP Code

Metro/Radius business search BusinessCity/State or ZIP CodeRadius (30-mile default)

House numberStreet nameTelephone number


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City business search Business nameCityState

House numberStreet nameTelephone numberZIP CodeTM

ZIP Code business search Business nameZIP Code

House numberStreet nameTelephone numberCity

MetroNet Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code category search

MetroNet SIC category search allows for the retrieval of business data from the MetroNet database via

an SIC category description. Use this search like the yellow pages phone book and input a category like

florist, library, realtor, mechanic shop, etc.

SIC category search may be qualified using a variety of geographical measures, including ZIP Code, city,

metropolitan area, state and national (searches the United States from east to west). Each of these searches

will return up to five matching records and indicate how many matching records are available to view.

General information

SIC category search

Business listings can be searched by an SIC category based on a ZIP Code, city, metro, state or national

basis. The system returns five listings per screen.

SIC category searching allows the user to search a defined geographical region using an SIC category like

florist or pizza.

SIC category searches return:

• Business name



• SIC code

The different types of SIC category searches available are:

• National search

• State search

• Metropolitan/Radius search

• City search

• ZIP Code search


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SIC category — ZIP CodeTM search SIC/Business categoryZIP Code

House numberStreet numberTelephone numberCity

SIC category — city search SIC/Business categoryCity/State

House numberStreet nameTelephone numberZIP Code

SIC category — Metro/Radius search

SIC/Business categoryCity/State or ZIP Code radius (30 miles default)

House numberStreet nameTelephone number

SIC category — state search SIC/Business categoryState

House numberStreet nameTelephone numberCityZIP Code

SIC category — national search SIC/Business category House numberStreet nameTelephone numberCityStateZIP Code


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Working in MetroNet

Screen functionality

Search

The MetroNet search page is made up of three sections:

• Search type — identify a residential or business search

• Select Search menu — select the search to perform

• Select Search information — data entry fields to supply elements upon which to search

When the user selects the search to perform, the required fields for that search will be highlighted in

yellow. Press the Submit button after entering the search criteria.

If no criterion is entered and Submit is clicked, the application will return an error message indicating

that no search criterion was entered.

Clear

The Clear button located at the bottom of the data entry fields will clear any search criteria entered.

Paging through available data

Surname and business searches can return multiple pages of results. The screen is limited in the amount

of data that can be displayed on a page when multiple pages are available. The user can use the next page

or previous page links to view any additional pages. Each page viewed will be billed to the user.

Printing

The user can print any data that is returned. The printed output will contain any data that has been returned.

To print data, click the Print tab located in the upper right of the search results screen.

Search versus Search Again buttons

The Search Again button on the results screen (in the original search information box) returns the user to the

original data entry screen and retains the data that was entered in the exact same format as the original request.

MetroNet Working in MetroNet

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The search button on the results screen (within the record box) will copy the results from the search and

populate the data entry screen. This allows the user to submit additional searches using the new results

as the input, saving the user from keystroking the new data into the entry screen.

History

Within the same login session, the user can review the last 50 requests submitted and results returned.

To access the history log, select History, located at the top of the screen on the right side, above the Select

Information entry fields.


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A summary of the search type (residential or business), search selected, input elements and time with date

stamp are captured. Additionally, the user can view the original results displayed by selecting the View

button to the right of the transaction in the list.

History is deleted when the user logs off or the session times out. Session time-out is currently set to 60 minutes

of inactivity. For users accessing via Subscriber Single Sign On, session time-out is 30 minutes.

Demographics

Please note that certain searches do not return demographics under any circumstances.

Demographic tag definitions and applicable valid values:

Sex

The system infers the gender of an individual based on the individual’s first name. If only the

first initial is given, the system automatically assumes the individual is male, unless additional

supporting information shows the individual to be female.

Date of birth

Date of birth is formatted as MM/DD/CCYY. Consequently, 09/22/1948 indicates that the

household member was born on Sept. 22, 1948. Date of birth information is acquired from reliable,

accurate sources, such as driver’s license and voter registration files. Since some states will not

release such data, this field may be blank or partially complete on certain records in the system

with just a year of birth.


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Time on file

Time on file is determined by calculating the length of time information on an individual

household remains unchanged. Each month, if information on the household remains constant,

the system will increase the length of residency by one. If, for instance, a phone number was

changed or a phone line was added, the counter for time on file will be reset to zero.

Other household members 1 through 4

There can be up to four other household members. Including a spouse or children (above 18 years

of age) or any member of the household with the same surname as the household surname. Full

names are not always available. The date of birth for other household members is formatted as

MM/DD/CCYY.

Address/Phone pander If using the MetroNet product for marketing purposes, it is required that the results of a search be matched

to the National Do Not Call phone pander file, individual state phone pander files, the Direct Marketing

Association (DMA) phone pander file and the DMA mail pander file. In the event that the results match

one of these files, special wording will appear in place of the address or phone number.

If the address is found on the DMA mail pander file, the words address pander will appear in the address

field for every address returned by MetroNet that matches this file.

If the telephone number is found on any of the phone pander files mentioned above, the words phone pander

will appear in place of the telephone number for every telephone number returned by MetroNet that matches

these files.

Surname search processing options

First name “Do not use first name” option — This option is the default; it forces the first name flag to indicate that

no first name is present for the search.

“Use first name” option — This search option forces the first name flag to indicate that a full name

is present for the search. Limiting the search to the designated first name and surname in name field

(versus only surname).

“Use first initial” option — This search option forces the first name flag to indicate that a first initial

is present for the search. Limiting the search to the designated first initial and surname in name field

(versus only surname).

Street flag Use street name — This search option forces the street flag to indicate that the user wishes to search for

records that match the street name and surname in the search criteria.


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Prefixes and double surname processing Please note that special scenarios can affect surname processing, including prefixes and double surnames.

Prefixes

This application considers the following to be special surname prefixes:

De Du La Le Mc St Van

When a special surname prefix is encountered as the second-to-last word in the name field, by

default any spaces separating it from the last word will be removed (i.e., Du Bois = DuBois).

The user can override this functionality by turning off the special surname processing option.

This should rarely, if ever, be required.

An example of needing to have surname processing turned off is any name where the first name

is “Van.” As Van is both a first name and a special surname prefix, the surname processing option

would think the name “Van Johnson” was “VanJohnson.” Turning off surname processing would

have MetroNet correctly read this as “Van Johnson.” However, a scenario like this is rare, so this

option should rarely be required.

By default, special surname processing is activated each time the application is started. In other

words, if the user deactivates special surname processing and then exits the program, it will be

reactivated as soon as the program is restarted.

Double surnames For double surnames such as Smith-Jones, the application will remove the spaces surrounding the

dash (i.e., Smith - Jones will become Smith-Jones). Turning off surname processing will allow the

user to submit the spaces surrounding a dash. This is not recommended, as double surnames are

not stored with spaces in our database.

For double surnames, try entering the name with and without a dash if you do not get the desired

results the first time (i.e., Smith-Jones or Smithjones).

NicknamesWork efficiently when searching for common first names with nicknames. For example, the first

name Jennifer could be listed different ways. Try inputting “Jen,” the first initial “J” or other

combinations. The same holds true for various first names (i.e., Lindsay, Linsey, Linsay, etc).

Work from the most-specific to the least-specific name.


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Glossary

Term Definition

COA Change of Address. Refers to the residential search option that allows passing of the input data through Experian’s change of address file to check for a change of address.

EDA Electronic Directory Assistance. Refers to a search of the databases belonging to a central source of directory assistance information. This search is the equivalent of calling 411 — directory assistance on the telephone. It requires the same input — name and address, including city and state — and returns the same information a directory assistance operator would return.

Hit A hit is a match between the input data and a record in a MetroNet database. The hit could be in the residential database, the business database or one of the change of address databases.

Profile ID The unique billing ID assigned by Experian to each MetroNet user. The profile ID identifies the profile settings for the user. The profile settings allow access to the system and control certain aspects of the functionality.

MetroNet Glossary

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Search guidelines — which search to use

This section provides guidelines on what search to use for a given collections need. Searches are

categorized by when a user may need to locate an account or to verify information.

Need to locate Search sequence Results

To locate the debtor by telephone or mail, or to conduct the most productive search if you are uncertain which one to use, consider:

Comprehensive search Submit a single input request to locate updated contact information and address history for a consumer from Experian’s credit file and MetroNet databases.

To contact the debtor by telephone or mail, use:

Address search Confirms address or may find new address from COA file; returns phone number if available; may also return household member(s) you can search on further. Note that switching to a business search at the same address may provide apartment manager phones.

If no hit, use: EDA search This will search regional and local Bell Operating Companies which are updated daily.

• Complete name and address information on up to 10 telephone number listings

• Listings are ranked, sorted and displayed by confidence score

If still no hit, use: Surname search If you want to look for consumers with the same last name in a given geography, or for a spouse or possible relatives, use this search.

If you think you’ve identified the debtor:

• Run an EDA search to see if a new address and phone are available

If you think you’ve identified the debtor’s spouse:

• Run that record through EDA to see if a new address and phone are available

You also can try: Neighbor search If a user calls neighbors as part of their skip-tracing policy, use this search.

Social Security number:

Social Security search Use this search if you want to track by a Social Security number-based address, look for alternate names, or check for Social Security number deceased or nonissued flags.

MetroNet Search guidelines — which search to use

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MetroNet Search guidelines — which search to use

Need to verify Search sequence Results

A telephone number: Phone search Use MetroNet phone search if you want to know to whom the telephone number belongs.

If no hit, use: Reverse EDA Will search regional Bell sources and return name and address on hits.

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Search guidelines by collection cycle stage

This section provides guidelines on which search to use for a particular account situation. Key factors —

such as age of debt or what account information is already available — impact which search order to use.

These guidelines will help you identify just the right path for effective and fast searching.

Early-stage collections

Midstage collectionsLate-stage collections/

Collection agency

• Maximize contact and resource allocations

• Separate high risk from low risk

• Contact via mail or phone

• Start skip-tracing activities

• Identify bankruptcy or deceased

• Segment and prioritize

• Prioritize, locate and get commitment

• Identify for legal actions

Suggested MetroNet searches

First Address search

Second EDAThird Social

Security number validation

First Address searchSecond EDAThird Social Security number

validationFourth Surname

Or comprehensive search

First Social Security number validation

Second EDAThird SurnameFourth Best address

Or comprehensive search

Here’s why

• Address search may have current number at targeted address.

• Address search may have cohabitant at address.

• Address search may yield a COA address.

• EDA may give a new number and/or a new local address.

• Social Security number validation may give a new address.

• Address search is still a good starting point for good number at the address.

• Address search may have cohabitant at address with phone.

• Address search may yield a COA address.

• EDA reconnect or phone at new local address.

• May yield a Social Security number update prompt that indicates a new Social Security number address is available (GLB clients only).

• Surname may be good for unusual surnames, or if common surname but uncommon first name, use first name/surname.

• Comprehensive search enables you to submit a single input request to locate updated contact information and address history for a consumer from multiple data sources.

• Likelihood that client address is good diminishes with time. The addresses provided with Social Security number validation become the better choice of current address.

• Possible EDA reconnect or phone at new local address.

• Surname searching for relatives may yield leads.

• Best address search is valuable when Social Security number is not present and provided address might be several years old.

• Comprehensive search enables you to submit a single input request to locate updated contact information and address history for a consumer from multiple data sources.

MetroNet Search guidelines by collection cycle stage

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MetroNet MetroNet quick reference guide

MetroNet quick reference guide

Technical Support Center (24 hours, seven days a week): 800 854 7201

Address search

Input name and complete address. The search will return:

• Confirmation of name and address

• Change of address information (if available)

• County


• Time on file (displayed in months)

• Household members (if available)

• Household members’ date of birth (if available)

Social Security number verification search

Input a Social Security number. The search will return:

• Name and most current address associated with the input Social Security number


• Notification of valid or invalid Social Security number

• Current telephone number at current address (if available)

• Up to two prior addresses for the Social Security number entered

• Current occupants and telephone numbers at the prior two addresses (if available)

• Approximate issue date of Social Security number

• State where Social Security number was issued

• Date of birth (if available)


MetroNet

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Best address search

Search for the best consumer address available in the File OneSM credit header information. If a new address is found, the MetroNet® files are automatically searched to see if a current telephone can be provided for the new address.

Input name and address (and the Social Security number, if applicable). The search will return:

• Best name and address

• Social Security number on file (if available)

• Date range the address has been reported to Experian (xx/xx to xx/xx)

• Telephone number for the best address (if available)

• Up to nine additional addresses that have been reported between the input address and the current best address

• Date of birth (if available)

• Date death benefits were paid, if applicable


Comprehensive search

Submit a single input request to locate updated contact information and address history for a consumer from Experian’s credit file and MetroNet databases.

Input name and address (and the Social Security number, if applicable). The search will return:

• Best (current) address for consumer or change of address (if available)

• Telephone numbers for the consumer derived from credit and noncredit sources

• Social Security number for consumer supplied on original request (if available)


• Social Security number deceased date, if applicable

• Address history for the consumer (up to 10 prior addresses listed)

• Current occupant name and phone number for each prior address (where available)

• Likely matching surname listings (potential relatives) within a 50-mile radius

• Businesses and respective telephone numbers at the same address if a multifamily dwelling unit

(this may locate landlords, leasing agents, etc.)


MetroNet

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Electronic Directory Assistance (EDA)Search for a telephone number electronically through the Electronic Directory Assistance provider.

Input the business name, surname only or full name, with the city and state and/or Zip Code.TM

For published phone numbers, the search will return up to 10 listings that contain:

• Business or consumer name

• Street address, city, state, ZIP Code and county

• Telephone number or nonpublished indicator

• Best pick score (for residential records only), providing confidence level

For a reverse phone number search, input the phone number only. If the phone number is published,

it will return:

• Name associated with the listing

• Street address, city, state, ZIP Code and county

File One PhonesSM

Search for a phone number in Experian’s credit repository database, File One Phones.SM These phone

numbers could include a published or nonpublished home telephone number, cell phone number, employer

telephone number or telephone numbers associated with prior addresses. The search will return:

• Up to three telephone numbers

• Type of telephone number indicator, if available (i.e., residential phone)

Phone searchSearch for the consumer or business listing associated with a telephone number. Input a phone number and,

if it is a published number, the search will return:

• Name with complete address

• County


• Household members (if available)

• Household members’ date of birth (if available)


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Surname searchSearch a last name by geographic region (ZIP Code,TM city, state, metropolitan area or nationwide).

Input any of the following: last name only, first and last name, or first initial and last name with

geographic region.

The search will return:

• Name with complete address

• County



Neighbor searchInput complete business or residential address. The search will return:

• Names and addresses for up to 30 neighbors

• If the person or business moved, names and addresses for up to 30 new and 30 former neighbors

• Telephone numbers (if available)

• Time on file (displayed in months) for residential records

Business name searchSearch by a business name by geographic region (ZIP Code, city, state, metropolitan area or nationwide).

Input business name with geographic region. The search will return:

• Business name with complete address


• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code

SIC code category searchSearch by SIC category by geographic region (ZIP Code, city, state, metropolitan area or nationwide).

Input an SIC category such as pizza, florist, library, etc., with geographic region. The search will return:

• Business name with complete address


• SIC code


475 Anton Blvd.

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

888 414 1120

© Experian Information Solutions, Inc. 2007

All rights reserved

02/07

475 Anton Blvd.Costa Mesa, CA 92626

888 414 1120

www.experian.com4094-0207CS

Experian and the marks used herein are service marks or registered

trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc.

Other product and company names mentioned herein may be

the trademarks of their respective owners.

Experian is a nonexclusive full-service provider licensee of the United States

Postal Service.® The following trademarks are owned by the United States

Postal Service®: ZIP Code. The price for Experian’s services is not established,

controlled or approved by the United States Postal Service.

user guidethis user guide is intended for experian’s clients accessing metronet, ® one of the...

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